Cybersecurity

Another Poor Cybersecurity Audit at State Department Draws Scrutiny

Auditors have been reporting weaknesses in IT security controls for over a decade. 

Modernization

Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Map Correlation Between Maternal Mortality and the Digital Divide

The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would add a maternal mortality overlay to connectivity maps produced by the FCC.

Modernization

JEDI’s Legal Challengers Make Their Next Moves

Amazon Web Services asks a federal judge to stop work on the cloud contract and Oracle knocks back assertions that the procurement was fair because Microsoft won. 

Ideas

How Iran's Military Outsources Its Cyber Threat Forces

These intermediaries are loyal to the regime but separate from it.

Cybersecurity

Security Clearance Backlog Hits Long-Awaited ‘Steady State’

The backlog of background investigations has leveled off at a sustainable 200,000, according to lawmakers.

Modernization

GSA Publishes Web Standards for Year-Old Digital Services Law

The website design standards pull together existing guidance for complying with the 21st Century IDEA Act, which requires all digital services to have a base level of quality and accessibility.

Cybersecurity

Presidential Advisers Expected to Push Software-Defined Networking for Secure Comms

Senate Commerce Committee is stockpiling legislation for coordinated investments in the tech.

Artificial Intelligence

VA’s Artificial Intelligence Director Details AI Institute’s Early Efforts

The center laying the groundwork for public/private partnerships to accelerate budding projects.

Cybersecurity

Weakening Encryption Could Impact Election Security, Coalition Says

An election security group said the Justice Department’s renewed calls for access to encrypted data could impact more than privacy.

Digital Government

Pentagon Wants to Build One Satellite Per Week

Over the next two years, the Space Development Agency is looking to put dozens of satellites into orbit. 

Cybersecurity

Treasury Wants Better Information on Financial Entities’ Cybersecurity Practices

A department official says expanded data collection powers would enable it to “advocate” for companies with other agencies.

Emerging Tech

One State May Become the First to Ban Law Enforcement Use of Genealogy Databases

A Utah state representative said he believes lawmakers are prepared to continue their “strong record of protecting individual privacy.”

Cybersecurity

Survey: Financial-Sector Agencies’ Policies for Sharing Cyber Threats Inconsistent

Respondents describe barriers ranging from a lack of resources to intelligence agencies’ classification decisions.

Emerging Tech

Inside the CBP-Built ‘Backbone’ of Atlanta’s Biometric Terminal

An executive agency conducting a comprehensive assessment of the technology’s use in aviation security detailed its recent review of America’s first fully biometric terminal—and the service it runs on.

Modernization

Pentagon Issues JEDI Task Order for Training

The $1 million task order signals the Pentagon wants to move forward with JEDI.

Digital Government

Lawmakers Urge FTC to Investigate Aggregator’s Collection and Sale of Americans’ Financial Data

The officials question whether Envestnet is violating the FTC Act by not being transparent about its collection and sale of consumers’ financial information.

Emerging Tech

Air Force’s ‘Base of the Future’ Ideas Will Be Tested on Tyndall Rebuild

The service’s private sector outreach program, AFWERX, will host a series of workshops in 2020 to hear innovative ideas.

Digital Government

Defense Pledges to Do a Better Job of Sharing Security Information With Overseas Contractors 

The State Department has yet to respond to an industry association letter expressing concern over contractor safety. 

Ideas

In 2020, Employees Are the New Constituent 

In order to deliver on their missions, government agencies must start prioritizing their employees’ experiences – and that starts with right technology.